Allegri Happy With Berlusconi Tactical Input

AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri says that he has received the input of club president Silvio Berlusconi on his tactics ahead of today’s Champions League round of 16 clash with Barcelona.

“I have sat down and talked to the president about the game,” said Allegri. “As always, he put forward his ideas and thoughts, which are sometimes brilliant and well thought out, and they are well received.

However, Allegri insists that he very much has the final say as far as team selection and tactics are concerned.

“I will try to put the best formation onto the pitch so we can get a good result, which is what counts,” he said. “I work with the squad on a daily basis though and will look to do what’s best.”

Milan played Barcelona in the group stage and quarter-finals of the Champions League last season, but failed to win any of the games, but Allegri is confident though that this time the Rossoneri can stifle Barcelona’s potent attack.

“Milan-Barcelona means we are facing the best team in the world but I do not accept that in the last two weeks everyone has been making us out to be the sacrificial lamb. In the last two years we have played well against Barcelona,” Allegri said.

“We know that at the moment they are the best team in the world but we have to try and create the elements to go through to the next round, although we know that whoever they play against they have an average of 65% possession.

“We have to try and limit their possession, making them less dangerous because they are so dangerous when they go forward.”

Allegri sounds like a coach who is playing the first leg away from home, instead of at the San Siro. It will be interesting to see how Allegri’s young side handles the occasion and the opposition.